A pill that can give rise to a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction is about to be launched to the UK market place. But is it really all that it’s cracked up to be?
Created by pharmaceutically inclined scientists in Austria in the 1960s, Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is the worlds best-selling drug and the worlds most popular treatment for erectile dysfunction (impotence). Now at last, UK consumers can enjoy the benefits of Viagra with a UK pharmacy.
Viagra was first marketed in the UK in February this year and is available to buy online from a range of top UK pharmacies. It comes in 200mg tablets and the manufacturers claim that it can be taken as needed, preferably 2 hours before sexual activity. Based on current prescription guidelines, this would suggest that it is probably best suited to men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction who are on the lookout for a more convenient treatment option. It is not known if or when the patent on Viagra will expire, so it is inevitable that cheaper knock-offs will flood the market. But for now, at least UK men can get excited about again trying to maintain an erection for the love of their partners.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 (PDE5), a sexual response medication that temporarily relaxes smooth muscle in the penis to allow for increased blood flow into the organ and subsequently an erection. PDE5 is present in large amounts in the penis and also in other organs such as the lungs and liver. Inhibition of this enzyme therefore has the potential to not only affect the function of the organ in question but also those of other organs in the body. It was originally discovered that Viagra can bind to PDE5 and inhibit its activity in 1981. The binding of Sildenafil to PDE5 is extremely tight, with Ki (affinity) values in the low nanomolar range (that’s a millionth of a milli-mol for those of you keeping score at home).
The fact that Viagra has a relatively high binding affinity for PDE5 means that it can stay in the bloodstream for a relatively long time. This, in turn, allows it to reach sensitive areas of the body such as the penis in adequate amounts for desired effects. In other words, it has excellent “penetration” (ability to enter tissue).
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Viagra?
Although it does have a number of positive effects, Viagra is not a risk-free drug and there are some important side effects that men should be aware of before using it. The main side effect is “headache”, followed by “dizziness”, “nasal congestion” and “photosensitivity”. Although these are fairly common side effects and do not suggest that you should discontinue use of the drug, it is important to be aware of them.
Those who experience photosensitivity may find that bright light causes them distress. In rare instances, Viagra can cause a serious and sometimes life-threatening reaction known as “phototoxicity” which is due to an allergic reaction to the drug. If you experience any adverse effects at all while taking this medication, then you should consult your doctor.
Is There A Formulation For Women?
Unlike most other erectile dysfunction treatments which are only available for use by men, the drug Viagra is also approved for use by women. But given that it is a medication which is used in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction, the only real difference in terms of dosage is that women need only take half as much as men. In fact, for women with erectile dysfunction, there is also a lower dose tablet which is approved for use, containing 25mg of Sildenafil. So although your partner may not always know what brand of pill he’s been given, at least he’ll feel all the better for it.
The Bottom Line
For many men, erectile dysfunction is a serious issue which can affect both their personal and professional lives. In the UK, Viagra is now available to buy online from a number of reputable pharmacies and this provides men with greater freedom and convenience when it comes to treating their condition. But as we’ve established, there are some important side effects which men should be aware of before using this drug. These include headache, dizziness, nasal congestion and photosensitivity. So although it’s great to have more choice when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, it’s also important to remember that we are dealing with a drug here and it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes. And please ensure that you read the medication’s leaflet or documentation before taking any drug, as this will tell you how it affects you and whether or not it’s right for you.